Please find below a list of programs available within the Village of Rantoul to assist new and existing companies with economic development.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts

Tax Increment Financing (or TIF) is a state enabled tool used by municipalities to reduce or eliminate blighting conditions, foster improvement, and enhance the tax base of every taxing district which extends into the area. Tax Increment Financing provides for redevelopment that would otherwise not occur without the support of public investments. This tool allows the Village to capture the increase in state and local property tax that result from a redevelopment which also contributes to the TIF fund. Money collected in this fund may only be used on projects within the boundary of the district.

The Village of Rantoul currently has four (4) TIF Districts. Here is the TIF District Map. Each project will be considered individually and the dollar amounts available for reimbursement will vary depending on several factors, including how much money has been collected in the TIF fund and other Village planning goals. For more detailed information and to discuss specific projects, please contact Village Economic Development at (217) 892-6822 or email

Enterprise Zone

On February 24, 1987, the State of Illinois approved the Village’s application for enterprise zone designation. Enterprise Zones are meant to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization by providing public incentives for private investment. All applicants are reviewed based on several factors that are explained in the Enterprise Zone application. To determine whether your project is within an Enterprise Zone, please see the Enterprise Zone map. Please contact Rebecca Motley, Zone Administrator, for further information at 217/892-6822 or email.

For more information on the Enterprise Zone and its benefits please review our ordinance (Incentives and Benefits can be found in Section 6 on Page 3).

Economic Development Administration Loan Fund

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with all proceeds reinvested in small businesses, this program will lend qualifying borrowers up to $500,000 at a current rate of 4% interest over 5-10 years. Eligible projects include real estate acquisition and improvement, working capital and equipment. Proceeds from this fund may be combined to meet a matching grant requirement. Download the EDA Loan plan here.

Small Business Loan Fund

Funded by the Village of Rantoul, with all proceeds reinvested in small businesses, this program will lend qualifying borrowers up to $100,000 at a current rate of 2% interest over 5-7 years. Eligible projects include equipment and capital improvements. Proceeds from this fund may be combined to meet a matching grant requirement. Contact Rebecca Motley by email at Econdev@myrantoul.com or phone at (217) 892-6822 for more information. Download the application here.

Downtown Storefront Facade Improvement Grant Program

Applications are accepted for a matching grant program funded by the Village in order to encourage Downtown business owners to improve the look of their properties. Generally, eligible improvements include awnings, windows, façades and other exterior cosmetic building improvements. The Village will match owner/tenant funds up to $10,000 per building. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and approved by the Village Board. Download the application here.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Rantoul has a Foreign Trade Zone (or FTZ) centered around the existing airport on the former Air Force Base. Please see Rantoul's FTZ website for additional information.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)

Many parts of the Village of Rantoul are located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone), which helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. This is a large potential market and an important opportunity for many types of businesses.

To qualify for the program, your business must meet these requirements, among others:

Be located in an area designated as a HUBZone. Check your business address here